Town Board Meeting — Minutes

MEETING MINUTES TOWN OF LAFAYETTE FEBRUARY 17, 2025 5765 197TH ST. CHIPPEWA FALLS WI 54726 Call To Order / Roll Call - The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. A roll call was conducted confirming the presence of Supervisors Brennan, Larson, McIlquham, Chair Staber, Clerk Konwinski, and residents. Supervisor Mathwig arrived late. Approval of Town Board Minutes - Supervisor Larson made a motion to approve the town board minutes from January 20, 2025 and the consent agenda for tonight's meeting. Brennan seconded the motion. Financial Report - The chair presented the financial report, stating that the ending balance plus the tax account was $495, 714.46 The expense report was distributed to board members earlier in the day showing significant payouts including $1,200,000 to Chippewa County, nearly $3,000,000 to the Chippewa school district, $344,000 to C VTC, and a $214,000 payment to the Cadott school district. These payments were noted as shares of property tax. The chair explained that there was over $5,000,000 in the tax account, with the majority to be transferred out. Due to negotiations with Citizens State Bank for a 2.75% interest rate, approximately $18,000 in interest was generated this year, compared to almost nothing last year at a 0.3% rate. Supervisor Brennan made a motion to accept the financial report and pay the bills. McIlquham seconded the motion. Motion carried. Clarify rules and policy on burning brush on Township Property and the same for collection/disposal of logs and tree branches greater than 6" in diameter at the Township brush site. - The chair reported that the DNR's control now ends at Highway 64, placing the township under fire district control for burning. Burning is now allowed with conditions: a 6x6 pit must be used, the fir e district must be notified, and the fire must be monitor ed until it's out. Regarding oversized trees and logs, it was clarified that the chipper can handle up to 16-18 inch diameter pieces. Supervisor Larson shared information from his research, including a conversation with DNR warden Richard Mackey. It was noted that in the past, the brush pile area was considered a municipal waste collection site where burning was not allowed. However, burning is now permit ted on site for clearing brush, with proper fire department permits. A resident expressed concerns about past burning practices, presenting pictures of inappropriate materials that were previously planned for burning, including treated lumber, shingles, tires, metal, and plastic. The board acknowledged these past issues but emphasized that t hey have been corrected. Discussion ensued about the proper disposal of brush and larger logs, with the board clarifying that people are allowed to take wood from the site if they wish. Eagle Scout Project - Nate Shilts from Troop 75 presented his Eagle Scout project proposal to build a life vest station at the Lafayette Boat Landing. He explained the community benefits of the project and his plan to acquire resources through donations. Supervisor McIlquham made a motion to approve the Eagle Scout project as presented. Larson seconded the motion. The motion passed with all in favor. The board offered support and congratulations to Nate on his project. Chamber Update - Sue and Ellie from the Chamber of Commerce presented their 2024 annual report and plans for 2025. They discussed various marketing efforts, including digital campaigns, print advertising, and social media engagement. Key points included: • Over 6 million impressions from digital marketing campaigns • Increased room tax collection, totaling $404,000 in 2024 • Upcoming events like the Professional Pickle Association tournament in July • Website traffic statistics and visitor data from various attractions • Plans for 2025 including focused digital marketing in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Minneapolis markets The board discussed potential future events, such as fishing tournaments, and the possibility of expanding room tax collectio n to other townships. Knopps CSM Lot Combination - The board reviewed a Certified Survey Map (CSM) for a lot combination at 25th Ave and Hwy OO. Supervisor Larson made a motion to approve the Knopps CSM for lot combination as presented. McIlquham seconded the motion. Evans CSM – to dissolve lot line to amend encroachments - The board reviewed another CSM to dissolve a lot line and amend encroachments. Supervisor Larson made a motion to approve the Evans CSM to dissolve the lot line to amend encroachments. Brennan seconded the motion. Wissota Meadows First Addition - Final Plat - The chair discussed the Wissota Meadows First Addition final plat, noting that some details were still being finalized. It was mentioned that utilities had caused some issues with erosion control measures, but these were being addressed. Supervisor Larson made a motion to approve the final plat of the first edition of the Wissota Meadows. Brennan seconded the motion. Garbage Hauler Renewals for GFL and Waste Management - Supervisor McIlquham made a motion to approve the garbage hauler licenses for GFL and Waste Management for Lafayette. Brennan seconded the motion. Town Communications from Board and Road Supervisors, Town Clerk and Town Chair - Board members and supervisors provided various updates: • Positive feedback on a new worker's performance in road maintenance • Concerns about the closing of a local grocery store and negotiations for the liquor store space • Updates on the fire department's fall festival planning • Discussion of improvements to the ski trails and potential expansions • PRTLU board updates, including bleacher purchases and suggestions for 2025 projects • Discussion about heating options for the recycling center • Updates on the firefighters' event planning and use of town grounds • Information about an upcoming Board of Review training The chair provided an update on discussions regarding the future of the clerk and treasurer positions. He explained that both the current clerk and treasurer do not wish to complete their full terms for the upcoming election cycle. The board is considering moving to appointed positions after the current terms end in April 2027. This change would require approval at either the annual meeting or a spe cial town meeting. Motion to Adjourn was made at 8:02pm